Hernias come in several forms – all of which can present with different symptoms, and require different treatment options. But how dangerous are hernias? Do they need to be treated right away, or can you live with a hernia and just deal with the pain and associated symptoms? In this article, we are going to talk about the severity of the various types of hernias, and specifically answer the question: “are hernias life-threatening?”

How Dangerous is a Hernia?

There are various types of hernias, each with varying levels of danger. Mild hernias may not require surgery to treat, and might not even present with any symptoms at all. Some infants are born with small hernias that resolve on their own once the body fully develops. On the other end of the spectrum, severe hernias can indeed become deadly. If a hernia becomes incarcerated or strangulated, it can restrict blood supply to certain organs and cause serious complications, including death. So don’t ignore the symptoms and, if you do notice any signs, make an appointment with your physician.

Watch for Symptoms, Seek Medical Attention

With that said, the majority of hernias do not result in death. As long as you catch the hernia early on and take steps to treat the condition, hernias are easily treated. It’s when you ignore the telltale signs and symptoms, and try to “live with” your hernia, that you can run into serious trouble.

So the bottom line is: remember to seek immediate medical attention if you notice any symptoms of a hernia in yourself or your child. Because of the potential risk of serious complications, it’s important to address and treat hernias as soon as possible after they appear. If surgery is needed, make sure you have a skilled general surgeon with an excellent track record of successfully performing hernia repairs.